The morning sun streamed through the small windows, casting warm light across the modest room. The group had settled in, the old man's quiet presence oddly comforting, and for the first time in days, they allowed themselves to relax… just a little.
Kaelor leaned back in his chair, stretching and rubbing his stomach. "Seriously, is it too much to ask for breakfast before we get dragged into more chaos?" he muttered.
Ethan snorted. "You'd complain even if we were at a five-star inn."
Alex shot a half-smile, shaking his head. "We should focus. This isn't exactly a vacation."
Rose sat quietly, her calm expression betraying nothing. Her gaze occasionally drifted to the window, as if she were listening to something beyond the village.
The old man cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "You've come a long way. Not many travelers make it this far, and those who do… usually bring trouble with them." His eyes flicked to Rose briefly, then back to the group.
Mya leaned forward slightly. "We didn't come here looking for trouble. We just…" she hesitated, "…we just want to understand what's going on. And we're trying to stay alive, obviously."
Kaelor chuckled under his breath. "Yeah, surviving seems to be our main quest."
The old man gave a small, knowing smile. "Survival… yes, that's a start. But there are things happening in this world that go far beyond simple danger."
Alex leaned closer, curiosity sharpening his tone. "What do you mean? What's happening?"
The man shook his head, as if trying to decide how much to reveal. "I don't know if I should. Some things are better left unknown… at least for now. But, let's just say there are forces at work things most people wouldn't believe even if they saw them with their own eyes."
Kaelor groaned, resting his face in his hands. "Oh, great. Forces and stuff. Why does it always have to be forces and stuff?"
Rose tilted her head slightly at Kaelor's antics but didn't comment.
The old man continued, ignoring the interruptions. "I've known Rose for a long time. She's not someone you want to underestimate. And yet, she walks a careful path. Not all of what she does can be explained, even by those who have known her the longest."
Mya looked at Rose, wide-eyed. "Why are you helping us?" she asked softly.
Rose's expression softened, and she glanced at the girl. "Because you need guidance. And because someone has to make sure you're ready for what's coming. Nothing more, nothing less."
Alex nodded, though he still felt a swirl of questions he couldn't ask aloud. He glanced at the old man. "And you… what's your role in all this?"
The man gave a faint smile, leaning back in his chair. "I simply watch. I offer advice when it's needed. And sometimes, I make sure those who wander into these parts leave with their curiosity intact… but not without a little caution."
Kaelor snorted again. "Sounds like a boring job. I could do that and take naps in between."
Ethan muttered under his breath, "I'd pay to see that."
The group chuckled quietly, tension easing just enough to allow the morning to feel less oppressive. But beneath the laughter, Alex knew that this was only a moment of calm. There were questions to be answered, dangers yet to face, and Rose calm, enigmatic, and capable was walking a path that might soon intersect with theirs in ways none of them could imagine.
Outside, the village carried on with its quiet rhythm, unaware that in one small house, decisions were being made that might change everything for Alex, his friends, and the mysterious girl who had become their guide.